Emerging Artist Laureate

Announcing an Emerging Youth Artist Laureate Application! 

The Commission for the Arts received a grant and we are accepting applications for an Emerging Artist Laureate.  The program allows youth between 16 and 25.  All art forms and medium are accepted. Applications must be submitted by November 13th at midnight. 

The artwork will be displayed on public property for at least one year.  The location will be finalized once we see what type of artwork is selected. 

Apply online 



About the Royal Oak Artist Laureate Program:

The Royal Oak Artist Laureate program is designed to recognize and acknowledge the artistic contributions of experienced individual artists, to provide a year of exposure for the selected artist to share their talent with the Royal Oak community, and to encourage and nurture the arts and creative culture in the city. The appointment as the Artist Laureate is a considered a civic appointment and one of honor.

Who can be the Royal Oak Artist Laureate?

Applicants must be an experienced artist living or working in the City of Royal Oak. Artists of all disciplines (visual artists, musicians, dancers, poets, performance artists, photographers, etc.) may apply.

What is required of an Artist Laureate?

By the end of the one-year term, the Artist Laureate will be expected to produce and display publicly one piece of visual art, one written composition, or one artistic performance that represents the Royal Oak community. The specific project must be pre-approved by the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts and by the City of Royal Oak. The City may require that the artist display their project at city events or otherwise engage in city-sponsored community outreach.

What benefits does the Artist Laureate receive?

The Artist Laureate will receive a $5000 stipend for the public art project, 60% up front and 40% upon completion. The city will announce and widely publicize the selection of the Artist Laureate and the completion of the public art project, as well as activities related to the Artist Laureate program throughout the year.

Past Artist Laureates:

2019-2021: Ceramic artists Laurie Eisenhardt and Marcia Hovland created a large mural titled “Royal Oak Roots” which is displayed on the first floor of City Hall.

2023-2024: Poet Roberta Brown is finishing up publishing a book of poetry written by several different members of the Royal Oak community. The book will be available at the library and available for purchase.